Two former Parramatta Eels players are accused of harbouring semi-automatic weapons and possessing more than half-a-million dollars in cash after dramatic arrests in Sydney's Centennial Park yesterday.

Bulletproof vests for NSW sheriff officers

Bulletproof vests will be worn by NSW Sheriff's Officers dealing with high-risk matters at court and out on field duties, the NSW government has announced.

The vests will be funded by existing resources and a $5.2 million counter-terrorism funding boost announced ahead of next week's state budget, Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant and Attorney General Gabrielle Upton said on Friday.

"In light of the heightened terror alert and increased security concerns, it is important our Sheriff's Officers feel safe when carrying out their duties at courts and in the field," Ms Upton said.

Police Minister Troy Grant said the reality was that protection was necessary for those on the front line, whether it be police, special constables or sheriffs.

"The security whether it be courts or across the state is a constant challenge and the lives of the men and women who protect our community on the front line is paramount so therefore the assessment's been made that this is a necessary investment to support them, to keep them safe and it's an investment that we're happy to make," he told reporters in Sydney on Friday.